The Canaries - looking to become the first team in a decade to win successive promotions from the third to top tier of English football - took the lead through Andrew Surman on 13 minutes.

An own goal from Gareth McAuley, turning in David Fox's corner, doubled Norwich's advantage before half an hour was on the clock.

Simeon Jackson made it 3-0 on 73 minutes and although Town midfielder Jimmy Bullard crashed in a 25-yard effort, full-back Russell Martin swept home a fourth.

Substitute Daniel Pacheco, on loan from Liverpool, chalked up number five in stoppage-time after Jackson hit the bar to move Norwich two points above Cardiff, who play leaders Queen's Park Rangers on Saturday.

"No game is easy and you have to earn the right to win football matches. I thought my team were extraordinary, the football they played," said Lambert.

"It was incredible right from the off.

"We were up against a team which has been on fire lately and a vibrant crowd. To come here and do what we have done was a big, big test of character and the performance was excellent."

Lambert continued: "The thing is noticeable is they are playing without fear.

"At this stage of the season, it may get a bit edgy, but the way the lads are going at the minute is extraordinary."

Some 2,000 travelling supporters headed back up the A140 dreaming of a first taste of Premier League football since 2005.

Lambert, though, is not getting carried away with all the hype.

"They will have about 500 DVDs getting made right now probably - but I have seen it all before," said Lambert, who took over the Norfolk club in August 2009 just weeks after his Colchester side had thrashed them 7-1 on the opening day and then guided Norwich to the League One title.

"The pressure is already there when you play football, there is no need to add to it."

Lambert added: "Cardiff are still in the driving seat because they have a point more than us.

"But all we can do is win our games. We have done everything we can to hang in."

Ipswich had also been beaten 4-1 at Carrow Road earlier in the season when they were under the guidance of former boss Roy Keane.

Town, though, are much improved side following Paul Jewell's arrival, and had an outside chance of gate crashing the play-offs following a run of four wins out of the last five.

Jewell said: "It was hugely disappointing.

"It was a local derby, a full house and you try to put on a decent show for supporters, so the scoreline is embarrassing, no doubt about it.

"We probably had more possession than them and more chances but it was obvious that in both boxes they were exceptional and we were average to say the least."

The former Bradford, Wigan and Derby boss, though, sees a positive future for the Suffolk club.

He added: "There have been a lot of good things that have happened here and the lads deserve serious credit for staying in the league, but we know where we need to get better."